The Signs of the Times
January 26, 1891
“Learn of Me”
Jesus says, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me.” How can we learn the lessons he would teach us?—We can learn them by looking constantly unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith. As we study the Example, as we behold the character of Christ, note his life of humility, patience, self-denial, and love, we become changed. If we do not keep the Pattern before us, we shall make a failure of the Christian life; we shall make crooked paths for our feet, and others will follow in our steps, and many be turned out of the right path. ST January 26, 1891, par. 1
The character of Christ is without spot or stain, and we should be like our Lord. “If any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.” Do we retaliate when others injure us? Jesus did not; when he was reviled, he reviled not again. Jesus said that the world hated him, and that the world would hate those who followed him. He was a Man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief. The Captain of our salvation was made perfect through suffering. He was tempted in all points like as we are, yet without sin. He knows how to succor those who are tempted now. ST January 26, 1891, par. 2
Jesus was meek and lowly of heart, and we must earnestly strive to be like him. If we are indeed learning of him who is meek and lowly of heart, we shall be afflicted. Trials will come upon us, but day by day we must come to Christ and find rest, for he will lift the soul above the daily sorrow and perplexity into a realm of peace. We must remember that Jesus endured insult and mockery and false accusation. He has told us that we must learn to endure suffering, as he has endured it in our behalf. When we have his Spirit, we shall bring our trials to him and find rest unto our souls. Those who are seeking peace and rest will find it alone in Jesus. We are to come to him trusting implicitly that he will give us all that he has promised. The experience I have had for the past forty years proves to me that the promises of God are unfailing. ST January 26, 1891, par. 3
Many think that Jesus is a great way off, high in the heavens, and far from the sound of their prayers; but he says, “Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst.” When we assemble for religious service, we may be certain that Jesus is with us. However few and humble the worshipers may be, the heavenly Guest is there. Jesus does not want you to remain away from him in order that you may make yourself more worthy of his favor and blessing, for you cannot do this. The blood of Jesus Christ is the only efficient agent for the cleansing of sin. He wants us to trust him as our best Friend, and when we do this, we shall find comfort and rest. Genuine Christians are the only really happy people in the world, and it is because they have a living faith in a living Saviour. They have the assurance that Jesus is by their side ready to help them in every time of need, and they know that he will never leave them nor forsake them while they trust in him. ST January 26, 1891, par. 4
Jesus says, “Take my yoke upon you.” If we were bearing his yoke, we would not be wearing yokes of our own manufacturing. We would not be impatient, full of fault-finding, hateful, and hating one another. If we wear the yoke of Christ, we shall be patient, loving, and unrevengeful under injury; for we shall be learning of him who is meek and lowly of heart. If we are indeed the followers of Christ, we shall be called upon to bear reproach, but if we are not understood, if we are falsely accused, we must not be discouraged, but remember that our Lord suffered mockery and scorn, and even the chief priests and rulers hedged up his way, and falsely accused him of evil. Whatever may befall us, we should look to Jesus, knowing that he is our best Friend, or Elder Brother. ST January 26, 1891, par. 5
In the Christian life, we must daily lift up the soul, and be in constant communion with Heaven. When we abide in Christ, and his words abide in us, our words and actions will testify to the fact that we are learning of the divine Teacher. As we learn meekness, self-control, patience, and love, from day to day our light will grow brighter, we shall go from strength to strength, and become more and more like Jesus. As the light of Christ shines upon us, we shall reflect it to others, and thus become the light of the world. Oh, if the disciples of Christ were all reflecting the light of Christ, how many who now sit in darkness would be won to his service, would praise God for his marvelous grace and love! It is the duty of every one of us to make straight paths for our feet, lest the lame be turned out of the way. We should order our steps according to the word of God, and leave a bright path heavenward. Jesus says, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” ST January 26, 1891, par. 6
The children of God profess to be pilgrims and strangers on the earth, seeking a better country. It is not for them to set their affections on things below. They are not to conform to the world, but to be transformed by the renewing of their mind. They are to learn daily in the school of Christ, so profiting by the lessons of the divine Teacher that they shall be able to serve God better and better, better today than yesterday, better tomorrow than today. This is the hour of probation, when opportunity is given us to perfect such characters as will fit us for a place in the mansions that Jesus has gone to prepare for those who love him. In order to perfect Christian character, we must dwell upon the perfection of Christ, and as we behold his matchless charms, we shall desire to be like him, and become changed, reflecting more and more of his spirit of love. ST January 26, 1891, par. 7
Jesus has prepared many mansions, he has made a place for his children in the city of God. He has not forgotten those who are upon earth. His great heart of love is open to our griefs, our sorrows, our trials; for he has loved us with an everlasting love, and with loving-kindness he has compassed us about. He invites all the weary and heavy laden to come unto him and find rest. Then come to him all ye that are heavy-hearted, who are care-worn, and bowed down beneath heavy burdens. Carry your burdens to him, and when you rise to go to your daily task again, do not gather them up, but leave them all with him. When you are tempted to gather your cares and griefs again to your heart, say, “No, I'll not do it. I have taken them to the Burden-bearer, and I will leave them with him.” Keep the heart stayed upon him, and meditate upon his loving-kindness all the day long. ST January 26, 1891, par. 8
We have a cruel enemy ever upon our track, and Jesus bids us to watch and pray lest temptation come upon us unaware, and we be led into the snare of the evil one. Satan will seek to discourage you, he will tell you that it is of no use for you to go to Christ, that you are too sinful; but take the promise of God, and declare in his face: “It is written,” “Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” The blood of Jesus is able to cleanse you from all unrighteousness, and he can save to the uttermost all who come unto God by him. He has esteemed you of so great value that he has given his life for you, and will you allow anything to separate you from him? Let nothing come between you and your Lord. Come unto him in full assurance of faith, lay your every care upon him, for he careth for you. Take his yoke upon you and learn of him, for he is meek and lowly in heart, and find rest unto your soul. ST January 26, 1891, par. 9